1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

[fredjr]

Hi Guys, first time poster here. I have a 91 Evinrude 60 HP with the VRO. I had the engine completely rebuilt 3 years ago with new power pack, 2 new cylinder sleeves (although its 3 cylinder), new VRO, steering cable, etc.

I was having trouble with very dirty fuel filters ever since they changed to ethanol gas. I have since dumped my gas tank (13 gallons) and removed all the loosed sludge and replaced the in-line fuel filter.

i also have drained the bowls in the carb and cleaned the carb with Carb cleaner.

The motor starts right up and runs fine at low rpms, but as soon as i get to 3000 rpms, it sounds like a weed wacker when you are cutting. High rpms, low rpms, up and down.

Would this be a problem with the VRO fuel pump?

The only thing i havent done is checked the compression.

Thanks for any help you can give, this is a great forum.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Try pumping the fuel primer bulb when it does this. If it's works, look at the pump or related plumbing...You may have clogged carbs from all the gunk in the tank too. Try pushing the key in (Primer) when running and see if it picks up. This would indicate clogged carbs. You must disassemble them to clean them properly....It does sounds like a fuel related problem nevertheless...

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Try pumping the fuel primer bulb when it does this. If it's works, look at the pump or related plumbing...You may have clogged carbs from all the gunk in the tank too. Try pushing the key in (Primer) when running and see if it picks up. This would indicate clogged carbs. You must disassemble them to clean them properly....It does sounds like a fuel related problem nevertheless...

Hi Rick, thanks for the quick reply. I have tried pressing the primer and the rpms do not increase. Actually it bogs down just a tad at mid throttle and it doesnt have an affect at full throttle. I will try the primer bulb tonight to see if that helps. i just didnt want to replace the VRO without knowing for sure as i got a quote of $300+ just for the part. Have there been instances where gunk loosened due to ethanol gas has caused problems with VRO's?

Thanks,

Fred

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Also, if squeezing the bulb picks up the rpms does that mean i should check the hoses and consider buying a new fuel pump? thanks again

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

I would look at the pulse hose from the pump to the crankcase and make sure there are no holes/tears in it and that it is secure on both ends. Then you might look into rebuilding the pump if you're handy...There are kits available from the dealer and online....

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Did some troubleshotting last night. Squeezing the primer ball did not help the situation so i'm assuming we can rule out the fuel pump.

Pressing the ignition primer below 3000rpms the engine boggs down and stalls. If i press the ignition primer when the motor is acting up (surging up and down) it does not bog down the motor and it makes it smoke a whole heck of alot.

Should i clean the carbs next?

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Did a compression test last night and all 3 cylinders were at 60-65 psi with 1 crank of the engine. Should i remove and clean carbs next?

 

[Walker]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Does your alarm buzzer beep when you turn the key on??
Try disconnecting the tan wire to the heat sensor on the head and try her again.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Does your alarm buzzer beep when you turn the key on??
Try disconnecting the tan wire to the heat sensor on the head and try her again.

Where ya headed with that one Walker?? Possible overheat?? Slow mode?? Good idea to try it...

 

[Walker]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

SLOW mode, possibly overheat or bad sensor, maybe even bad pack, but disconnecting sensors won't eliminate a bad pack

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Power Pack was replaced 3 years ago...i can try it though. Just ordered a carb kit too.

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

if you are referring to the same alarm sound that will happen when the oil reservoir is running low then no, that sound does not happen when i turn the ignition.

 

[Walker]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Your alarm should beep when you turn the key on. Test your alarm circuit by grounding the tan wire taht goes to the heat sensor in the head.

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

ok thanks, yes the alarm does beep when i turn the key

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

unhooked the plug on the sensor (tan wire) and the problem still occurred. so then i went and bought a new sensor just in case and the problem was still happening. my marine mechanic thought that was a good suggestion so kudos to you Walker.

also did compression test again on each cylinder...let engine crank about 5 seconds at the psi was right around 120 for all 3 cylinders

what do you guys think the next step is? carbs?

 

[Walker]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

I would go ahead and do the carbs. Make sure you get them sparkling clean and check to be sure all orifices, passageways and jets are clean and clear.
Then when you take her out for a test run take a timing light with you and if she still acts up test all cylinders for spark while she acting up.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Ditto on the carbs....

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

ok, rebuilt carbs today and cleaned them thoroughly....still same problem. i run it in the driveway on muffs. what is my next step? this is driving me crazy. should i try to run it off a different tank? i did dump out my gas tank last week and put new gas in. it just seems like i keep spending money and i'm not making progress...i'm banging my head against the wall. i even popped out the anti-siphon valve in the elbow of the pickup. i do appreciate all your guys help, i just dont know where to turn now.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

Did you check for spark on all cylinders when the problem occurs? What do the spark plugs look like? Are you saying it dies off at 3000 even on the muffs?

 

[fredjr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude VRO 60 HP w

all the spark plugs look like they are generating spark...they have oil on the threads but the spark area is pretty clean


it doesnt die off above 3000rpms, it has surges up and down and the motor jerks to the side when it does this ...i'm wondering if its the tank and hose with the ball or it is the fuel pump....did i do enough tests to ensure that it isnt the fuel pump?